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Construction and validation of the Reminiscence Functions Scale
1Department of Psychology, Vancouver Community College, British Columbia.
Journal of Gerontology
|September 1, 1993
Summary
This study presents the Reminiscence Functions Scale (RFS), a reliable 43-item questionnaire assessing how people use reminiscence across their lives. The RFS identifies seven distinct functions, aiding in understanding memory recall purposes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Lifespan Development
Background:
- Reminiscence is a common cognitive process throughout life.
- Understanding the functions of reminiscence is crucial for psychological well-being.
- Existing measures may not comprehensively capture the diverse uses of reminiscence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a comprehensive measure of reminiscence functions.
- To identify the underlying factors or dimensions of reminiscence.
- To provide a reliable tool for assessing reminiscence across the lifespan.
Main Methods:
- A 54-item prototype scale was administered to 710 adults aged 17-91.
- Principal components analysis was used to determine the scale's factor structure.
- A separate study assessed the predictive validity of the developed scale.
Main Results:
- A 43-item, 7-factor solution for the Reminiscence Functions Scale (RFS) demonstrated good reliability.
- The seven identified factors were: Boredom Reduction, Death Preparation, Identity/Problem-Solving, Conversation, Intimacy Maintenance, Bitterness Revival, and Teach/Inform.
- The RFS showed significant predictive validity in a separate validation study.
Conclusions:
- The Reminiscence Functions Scale (RFS) is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing reminiscence functions.
- The findings support a multidimensional view of reminiscence, with distinct functions serving different psychological needs.
- The RFS can be utilized in future research to explore the role of reminiscence in various life stages and psychological outcomes.